Stockings have always been an essential clothing item, for a great number of years, however, fashion stockings started to rise in popularity at the start of the 20th century as womens garments started to show off their legs more, they still needed to be covered though. If they had been worn before then it would have purely been for warmth.

Stockings were originally known as hose, which is where the term pantyhose coming from referring to tights. You can now find stockings in a range of colours, sizes and transparencies which uses a system called denier. Their main purpose was to cover the legs which became quite important as the fashion started to change and women started to show off the lower part of their legs. They still had to be covered up, even if their dresses had shortened.

However, trends have changed and stockings are now thought of as more of a fashion item worn through choice rather than necessity. They have many purposes including providing warmth, style. Due to their sexy look, some people make negative associations with stockings and other item of lingerie as they consider them to be part of fetishism or cross dressing, which can sometimes be the case but not always.

Stockings have several benefits over tights or pantyhose. One of the main drawbacks with tights is that they prevent good airflow which could promote fungal infections, with stockings this is not an issue as there is plenty breathability and airflow. Another advantage to stockings is the fact they come in pairs so if you damage one there is no need to throw both away as you can just match it with another one. Impossible to do with tights. Stockings may not be as popular during the winter months due to the fact they fail to keep the upper part of the leg warm and protected from chilly breezes.

Although no longer necessary, suspender belts and garter were the original methods of holding stockings up, however, now stockings are able to stay up on their own, it is just a matter of choice and practical, and aesthetics of course.This decision should be based on how comfortable you feel, how long you will be wearing your stockings for and if you will be able to see suspenders or garters through your clothes if is for a special occasion then of course being uncomfortable for an hour or two might just be worth it. Those who are on the go and do not have time to get in and out of suspender belts often choose the new stockings that are able to stay up on their own. It is all down to personal preference at the end of the day and what you feel you look and feel best in.

Stockings have always been considered a sensual item of clothing which inspires excitement, the flash of skin at the top of a woman's thigh can be very arousing. Both women and men can enjoy this sight, whether you are the one wearing the stockings or not. Wearing lingerie and fashion stockings can make the wearer feel very sexy and sultry even if no one else is going to see it the secret is the best part.